Tribeny Rai's 'Shape of Momo': Celebrating Northeast Women

Mumbai, Dec 5 (PTI) Director Tribeny Rai aims to present a nuanced and authentic portrayal of Northeast Indian women in her debut feature "Shape of Momo," addressing the tendency of mainstream cinema to depict them in secondary roles. Set against the scenic Himalayan backdrop, this Nepali-language drama centers on Bishnu, portrayed by Pashupati Rai, as she contends with societal norms in her traditional village after leaving her city job. Conflict arises with the arrival of her pregnant sister and the development of a relationship with a local suitor, compelling Bishnu to choose between tradition and independence. Rai, originating from Sikkim, reveals, "One of my concerns while making this film was also that we were always at the periphery." She voices frustration over the limited roles offered to Northeast people in cinema, which often wrongly emphasize negative stereotypes. "We are never the hero of our stories and I really wanted to change that." Drawing from her own experiences, Rai crafted Bishnu as "independent, strong-headed, and occasionally unlikable." She said, "We wanted a protagonist who is complex." Her goal was to depict a flawed yet relatable character. Rai's motivation for making the film was her childhood lack of representation. She notes, "It was very important to represent it." The film "Shape of Momo" has received acclaim at the Busan International Film Festival and won a prestigious award at the 2025 Kolkata International Film Festival. The film's emotional narrative resonates globally, as evidenced when women from diverse backgrounds personally related to it. "My mother has watched the film and she got very emotional," Rai shared about its reception. A comment from a Colombian woman about living a life reflected in the movie shows its universal appeal. Rai feels honored by the response at the IFFI, noting her journey from a student at the Satyajit Ray Film & Television Institute to having her film featured. Looking forward, the film will appear at festivals in Kerala, Singapore, and France, and she hopes for a public release within a few months. Rai, co-producer of "Shape of Momo" through Dalley Khorsani Productions, echoes concerns about the limited availability of independent films in big theaters, yet remains optimistic about finding broader audiences nationwide.